Maybe you've already run across the story in The Oregonian detailing the release of guard Brad Tinsley from his commitment to Pepperdine, in the wake of the midseason resignation of coach Vance Walberg.

In any case, understand it could affect the Utes.

A 6-foot-3 senior at Oregon City High School in Oregon, Tinsley was one of their recruiting targets, until he signed with the Waves in November. But with Tinsley back on the market, it's not inconceivable that he could ultimately join the Utes -- although it would require not receiving a basketball scholarship, at least for one year.

The Utes already have committed all of their available scholarships for next season to incoming players, including Lone Peak's Josh Sharp. Sharp had been expected to walk-on, but has been assured he will receive the scholarship that became available when sophomore forward Stephen Weigh quit the team and returned home to Australia.

But Sharp is expected to use the scholarship for only one year before departing on an LDS Church mission, potentially making it available for Tinsley after that. Any number of other changes could occur between now and then, too, that could create a scholarship opening.

So the trick -- presuming Tinsley remains interested in the Utes, and we're endeavoring to reach him -- would be to find a way for Tinsley to join the team either as a walk-on or under the aegis of an academic or some other type of scholarship, at least for the first year.

Tinsley's father told The Oregonian that Pepperdine remains a possibility, though the family will consider other options. Part of the allure of Pepperdine for Tinsley was his close relationship with assistant coach Mark Campbell. However, Campbell's future with the Waves will be uncertain until they hire a new coach.